Diane Lewis: Pastor Niemoller's 1947 poem is just as relevant today

To The Daily Sun,

In light of what's happening in this country, sadly, I want to remind readers and fellow citizens of a poem attributed to Lutheran Pastor Martin Niemoller, published in English in 1947. There are several adaptations and versions, but this is the most well known.

Niemoller's life was interesting in itself. This poem is timely today; never forget.

First they came for the Communists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the Socialists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists

And I did not speak out

Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews

and I did not speak out

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me

And there was no one left

To speak out for me.

Diane Lewis

Laconia